BUSINESSMAN, actor, comedian Ian “Ity” Ellis has been appointed to the board of directors of The Honey Bun Foundation.

One half of the popular Jamaican comedy duo Ity and Fancy Cat, Ellis is an accomplished Jamaican creative who is expected to lend his tremendous expertise to governing the foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Honey Bun Limited.

Founded by Michelle Chong, The Honey Bun Foundation is mandated to create business models for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the creative sector to drive their growth.

“I am humbled and honoured to join this awesome team of business leaders to share in not only the development of SMEs, but particularly the creative industry. My passion and vision align well with The Honey Bun Foundation’s mission,” said Ellis.

Incorporated in 2019, The Honey Bun Foundation’s mission is, “Creating powerful business models for SMEs and the creative industry, to become transformational industries for Jamaica’s economy.”

To date, the foundation has created three models and Ellis’ appointment has come at a pivotal point as the foundation turns its focus on boosting the creative industry, having focused heavily on SMEs since its founding.

In December 2022, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the foundation to offer its advisory committee to its members. The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association followed in March 2023.

“We are thrilled with Ellis joining our board of directors, but more so about him confirming his alignment with our vision for the creative industries. This synergy will allow us to accelerate at rocket speed!” said Chong.

“There has already been much discussion on what we want to achieve as a nation of creatives. Our philosophy is about getting our creatives to have more opportunities and to earn exponentially more; to see Jamaican creatives’ earnings as a component of our GDP grow,” added Chung.

Ellis joins a board that is already brimming with experience and expertise, with directors Dr Lawrence Nicholson, lecturer at the Mona School of Business and Management; Robert Scott, managing director of Lifespan Water; and Howard James, director of business consultancy firm Capacity Concepts Limited.

Chong, who is also CEO of Honey Bun Limited, the business she started 40 years ago with her husband, is chair of the board.

A trained accountant, Ellis has established an enviable reputation as an endearing and enduring entertainment professional, having conquered the live stage locally and globally, and stamped his mark on television as performer and executive producer of the Jamaica’s longest running sketch comedy programme, The Ity and Fancy Cat Show.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from The University of the West Indies, Mona.